James was born on March 15, 1939, in McPherson, a son of Martha Lorene (Goering) and Carl T. Stucky.

Jim attended Santa Fe country schools and graduated from McPherson High School in 1957. He then graduated from Bethel College, Newton in 1961.

He was a member of First Mennonite Church McPherson, where he served in many capacities through the years. Jim was a member of the writers guild and Toastmasters. He served as trustee for King City Township for several terms.

Jim taught school at Sunny Hill near Canton, Hillcrest, near Inman, Galva Middle School, Geneseo High School and McPherson Middle School. He enjoyed coaching and working with children. Jim was a farmer for all of his life.

James L. Stucky was united in marriage to Frances "Fran" A. Penner on July 3, 1960, at the First Mennonite Church in Beatrice, Neb.

Surviving family members include his loving and devoted wife of more than 53 years, Fran Stucky of the home; his children, Sheryl Dick, of McPherson, Donna Sanborn and her husband Blake, of Bourbon, Miss., and Mathew "Matt" Stucky and his wife Cindy, of Carthage, Miss.; his siblings, Wanieta Penner and her husband Paul, of McPherson; Ben Stucky and his wife Jan, of McPherson, and Diane Gering and her husband Warren, of Ritzville, Wash.; his nine grandchildren, Elizabeth Burch and her husband Travis, Katherine Anderson and her husband Cameron, Lauren Byington and her husband Warren, Kaylen Tiefenbrunn and her husband Matt, Rebecca Dick, Matthew Dick, Benjamin Dick, Daniel Dick, and Macie Stucky; his four great-grandchildren, Hattie Burch, Orry Byington, Ace Tiefenbrunn, and Asher Anderson; 18 nieces and nephews, other relatives, students, and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

The memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church, McPherson, with Pastor Kathy Neufeld Dunn officiating.

The final resting place will be at the McPherson Cemetery, McPherson.

Memorials are suggested to Omega Houses or M.C.C. or donors choice, and they can be sent in care of the Glidden-Ediger Funeral Home; 222 W. Euclid St.; McPherson, KS 67460.